Jane and Glenn McGrath’s much-publicised experience with breast cancer led to the formation of what has become one of Australia’s most respected and recognised charities, the McGrath Foundation

The McGrath Foundation is synonymous with cricket, with the Foundation established by Jane McGrath and her cricketing husband, Glenn, following Jane’s personal experience with breast cancer.

Jane’s personal experience has seen a team of passionate and dedicated people come together and step up to the challenge of making life for families experiencing breast cancer just that little bit easier. Until there is a cure for breast cancer, the McGrath Foundation is committed to providing as much support as it can for families facing a breast cancer experience through the funding of McGrath Breast Care Nurses nationally, no matter where they live or their financial situation.

In addition, Jane’s diagnosis at just 31 made her passionate about encouraging young Australians to be breast aware by knowing their breasts and being aware of any changes. Again, from this inspiration, the McGrath Foundation has now developed the innovative Curve Lurve program which focuses on empowering young Australians to look after their bodies, know what’s normal for them and take action that promotes their own health and wellbeing, while at the same time debunking common community myths.

The 2013/14 summer marked the sixth year of the McGrath Foundation’s friendship with Cricket Cares, Cricket Australia’s community action program, with an incredible $6.5m raised to date from a variety of cricket initiatives related to the Pink Test thanks to the support of the entire Australian cricketing community.

The Sydney ‘Pink Test’ has become the iconic centrepiece of the Cricket Australia (CA) and McGrath Foundation friendship. Each year the SCG turns a sea of pink thanks to the support of the Australian and touring teams, fans, CricketNSW, the SCG Trust and CA’s partners. Traditionally Ladies’ Day, Day 3 of the Sydney Pink Test has been renamed Jane McGrath Day and is celebrated with the entire SCG turning into a sea of pink each year in honour of Jane.

High Tea events coinciding with the Sydney and Melbourne Tests are also annual highlights of the cricket calendar and are designed to raise funds and provide women with a touch point to attending the cricket.

Thanks to ongoing support from the international cricketing community, the McGrath Foundation hit its maiden ton with the funding of its 100th McGrath Breast Care Nurse this summer, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s history.
Keep checking the Cricket Australia website and visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au for more information and for details of upcoming events